Simplified entry rules and cooler weather have drawn a rising number of visitors from the Middle East

Tourism from Gulf states to Russia has surged, as Moscow deepens ties with the region, offering streamlined visas, budget flights and curated travel experiences, Financial Times reported on Monday.

Russia has eased its visa rules for many countries as part of an effort to boost foreign tourism amid Western sanctions. As a result, visits from the Gulf have more than quadrupled since 2019, with Saudi tourist numbers rising sixfold in the past year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in July.

Budget airlines have responded to the rising demand. Flynas has launched direct flights from Riyadh to Moscow, while Air Arabia and Saudia are adding new routes to Russian cities this autumn.

”The prices and marketing made me decide to go,” said Aqeel al-Dejani, a 27-year-old Saudi tourist who spent 10 days in Moscow and Saint Petersburg in June. “The Peterhof Palace with its huge gardens was magnificent,” he told FT.

Gulf tourists are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional destinations to escape extreme summer temperatures at home, and Russia’s cooler climate and cultural attractions have made it an appealing option, the outlet said.

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Some visitors are even embracing the Russian winter. Hasan al-Qattan, a Saudi doctor, travelled to Moscow in February and welcomed the sub-zero temperatures. “We knew it would be cold but we did not expect it to be that cold,” he told the publication.

Qattan took part in a “war experience” military tour after seeing similar trips promoted online. “They give you a ride in a tank, do some light military drills, shoot a Kalashnikov and RPG. It was exciting and action packed,” he said.

Ostrovok, a Russian hotel site, reported a 30% year-on-year rise in bookings from Middle Eastern tourists during the first half of 2025, the article noted. Most visitors chose 4- or 5-star hotels and spent 30% more per night than their Western European counterparts.

Gulf tourists told the outlet they felt safe and welcomed. “We also picked up some Russian matryoshka dolls,” Qattan said, adding that there was also easy access to halal food and local treats like Alyonka chocolate.

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